1. English 9—Louise S McGehee School—2004
Gryphons
(What is a Griffin?)

2. Gryphon
The Gryphon, also spelled Griffin, is a mythological creature with a body and tail of a lion and the torso and head of an eagle.
Its back, winged or wingless, is covered with feathers and its long talons on its feet are as big as oxen horns.
(Middelkamp)

3. Symbols
The mythical creature of the Gryphon is a symbol of many things:
--between the eagle and the lion they give the gryphon the symbol of strength and agility
--it symbolizes royalty with strength and wisdom
--it is usually a heroic symbol.
In hieroglyphics- griffins represent heat and summer
In Assyria- the griffin is a symbol of wisdom
In Roman Art- griffins are often pulling the chariot of Nemesis

4. Background Info. The Gryphon is claimed by many cultures.
However, the earliest accounts are from India, where the Gryphon dwells in the Northern mountains and guards the gold and other treasures there (Hales).

5. The name Gryphon, or Griffin, comes from the Greek word “gryps,” which means “seize” (Gryphon).
Gryphons guarded the gold of India, which they then made their nests out of, because of their ability to detect treasure.
Gryphons are known for their swift and graceful flight, and their keen eye for spotting treasure.
(Greek Mythology)
These creatures create a nest made of gold where they lay agates, a type of gem stone, instead of eggs.
(Tumbled Stones)

6. The Great Myth of the Gryphon
The Arimaspians, among whom the Griffins flourished, were a one-eyed people of Scythia. They made a raid on horseback and tried to steal the gold the Griffins protected, hence the mythical enmity between the horse and the Griffin. It is an Eastern fable, and we are told by Herodotus that the Gryphons were employed to guard the gold of India (Bulfinch).

7. Today, you see the mythological creature of the Gryphon used in the Harry Potter books as one of the house names, Gryffindor. The Gryffindors are supposed to be the brave, courageous people at Hogwarts, and the Gryphon symbolizes just that.
(Universal's Island of Adventures)
Gryphons were, and still are, often used as great stone guardians called gargoyles to protect important buildings.
Because Gryphons symbolize strength, heroism, and royalty, people want them to guard their homes or buildings so that they are protected.
The huge talons/claws of a Gryphon were said to detect poison in a liquid, so the people of India made Gryphon talons/claws into drinking cups.

8. Works Cited
Bulfinch, Thomas. The Age of Fable or Beauties of Mythology. New York: Tudor
Publishing Company, 1935.
Dave. “Griffin.” Dave’s Mythical Creatures and Places. 9 November eAudrey. 8 January
“Greek Mythology - Griffin.” Kidzworld Kidzworld Media. 8 January 2004.
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“Gryphon.” Reality’s End. June 1, January 2004.
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Hales, Stephen MD. “Mythological Recources.” Winged Figures in legend and Mythology. New
Orleans, Louise S. Mcgehee School. 14 January 2004.
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9. Works Cited
Middelkamp, Josh. “Other Subjects.” Fragile Wings Josh Middelkamp. 14
January 2004.< <
“The Gryphon in Mythology.” The Guardians. 7 January 2004.
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“Tumbled Stones.” Crystal Shops.com.au. 13 January 2004.
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“Universal's Island of Adventures.”Adirondack scenic, Inc. New York. 15 January 2004.
“What is a Griffin?” World of the Griffins. 7 January 2004.
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